Winter Solstice in Vancouver – Dong Zhi at the Chinese Classical Dr. Sen Yat Sen Gardens

Today is Winter Solstice.  It is a significant time for many
cultures around the world.  In Chinese, it is called Dong Zhi in
mandarin.  As a chilld growing up in Vancouver, I never learned
about many Chinese traditions as my family became integrated and
assimilated as 2nd 3rd, 4th and 5th generation Canadians.

Vancouver is a hub for cross-cultural events and the Dr. Sun Yat Sen Chinese Gardens
is a leading proponent.  For the past two years, I have been
attending the Winter solstice events at the gardens.  It is
decorated with hand made lanterns and is gorgeous.  Leaves that
fell during the fall, are placed on lanterns and hung back on the
trees. I particularly enjoyed my 2003 Winter Solstice visit to the gardens where I met and talked with erhu musician Ji Rong Huang.

For this year's visit I have invited new friends to attend with me, from the Gung Haggis Fat Choy dragon boat team, and the Save Kogawa House committee.

If you come…. remember to bring your camera!